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New England’s foremost African social services agency.

The Somali Development Center

Top: ESL instructor Mr. Samanter and Boston office Deputy Director Jennifer J. Abbott helping a client with her English homework.

Bottom: Deputy Director of Manchester regional office Nasur Arush and SDC Executive Director Abdhrahman A. Yusuf

Easing transitions. Empowering New England’s newest citizens.

Since the onset of civil war in 1991, millions of Somalis have fled their homes and sought refuge the neighboring states of Ethiopia and Kenya. As a result, the United States government, through its refugee resettlement program, has settled thousands of Somalis in the U.S. The challenges to this unique community are manifold as they endeavor to create new lives in the United States.

Nearly 5,000 Somali refugees have arrived in the greater Boston area since 1992. Though the influx was at it’s peak in the late 1990’s, New England continues to welcome a steady flow of new Somali citizens to it’s cities and towns. The Somali Development Center (SDC) has been the lifeline to vital social services for this refugee and immigrant community since its inception in 1996. Established by a coalition of Somali-Americans to provide multiple services to Somali newcomers, SDC is proud to offer assistance to New England’s newest residents as they work to bridge cultural divides and become productive members of their communities.

Thank you for expressing interest in the work we do here at SDC. We hope you will find this site of help to you as you seek further information about the rich tapestry of individuals, organizations, services and resources which constitute the Somali Development Center.

Announcements and SDC in the News:

Somali Heritage Day

Saturday, July 25th 2009

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LCHC Somali Refugee Program Honored

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A call to Jihad from Somalia, Answered in the U.S.: